In 1999 the Nissan Skyline R34 GTR came to life, the latest model, and the best GTR yet. Styling is superb with an all new much more aggressive shape; it looks like a car to be reckoned with. The R34 GTR looks and feels like it got the best from both of the R32 and R33 models in one package.
The interior is simple, sporty, and luxurious, with plenty of head and leg room for taller drivers. Seats are comfy for long trips yet still hold you in when cornering hard. Centre gauges have been replaced with a LCD screen. This shows loads of information like, throttle position, boost pressure, torque split, a built in G-meter, and it has a com-port so you can download your trips data onto a laptop.
In an effort to reproduce the handling feel of the much loved R32 GTR the wheel base was shortened b 7.5cm, chassis rigidity was improved by 50 percent, and the suspension was greatly improved. Revised multi-link rear suspension featured at the rear with McPherson struts with an additional link up front. Ten years had passed since the R32 but the same techno wizardry (HICAS and ATTESSA) remains but these features where greatly improved.
The RB26DETT engine still remains but again improvements where made and because of this the engine has become smoother and quieter. The torque curve has improved and remains flatter throughout the rev range, 400nm is achieved at 4,400rpm this has made the engine more flexible.
Turbo chargers where also revised featuring a dual ball bearing core which reduced lag and improved the power band. The gear box was replaced by a 6 speed getrag which features, shorter ratios, and a shorter throws. Acceleration times have improved, 0-100 is achieved in 4.9 seconds and the 400m sprint in completed in 12.9.
These refinements make driving the GTR a pleasure with every aspect improved. Steering is responsive and grip is phenomenal making this GTR a true cornering machine. Ride quality is on the firm side but harsh bumps are absorbed well, but this is a sports car after all.
Nissan certainly got it right with the R34 you get the extra space and luxury that the R33 provided, as well as the race like feel of the R32. Simply put this Nissan Skyline is well hell of a sports car. For more information on I recommend you visit this website. http://nissanskyline.6te.net
Glenn Munn
Skyline enthusiast
In 1989 the R32 GTS-T was born with specifications way ahead of its time. The R32 was smaller in size compared to the old boxed shaped R31, looking much more like a sports car than a family sedan. The box shape was refined dramatically and the famous round stove top tail lights were retained. The interior was dramatically improved to make you actually feel like your sitting in a sports car.
The silky smooth RB20DET engine suits was introduced to the R32 and really compliments the car well but lacks a little torque.. The 158kw is produced by a 2 liter, twin cam, inline 6, with variable valve timing on the engines intake. Air is forced into the engine via a turbocharger with a ceramic exhaust wheel for quick spooling. Air is further cooled via side mounted air to air intercooler. All this technology back in 1989 meant the Skyline was capable of achieving 0-100 in 6.5 seconds and the 400m sprint in 14.8 seconds.
Driving the R32 is fantastic it weighs 1320kg’s and is equipped with independent multilink suspension on all 4 corners. This equates to a direct steering feel and great handling. Another technical gadget shared with its bigger GTR brother is a 4 wheel steering system called HICAS, which stands for High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering. This system as the name suggests actively steers the rear when cornering, the amount the rear wheels turn is depended on speed and cornering angle. This device seems to reduce under-steer giving the Skyline a flatter cornering feel.
Tuning potential for the R32 is fantastic add a nice free flowing exhaust and intake and the RB20DET really comes to life and sounds great too. You can add another 25+kw to the factory claimed 158kw with these 2 modifications alone. Stiffer sway-bars front and rear will drastically improve the already fantastic handling. In Australia a Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-T coupe can be picked up for 10-14 thousand pounds this is good value for money for amount of performance they deliver.
In 1993 the all new Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25-T replaced the successful R32 GTS- T. Little brother to the all conquering GTR the GTS25-T is more affordable and still a thrilling ride. It features a more modern new shape with smooth lines rather than the sharp edges of the previous model. The new looks were debatable some liked the newer styling of the R33 and some preferred the harder edges of the R32.
On the road with the R33 the first thing you notice is how smooth the R25DET engine is power delivery is linier and the car pulls hard from 3000rpm to the 7000 rpm redline. The manual coupe version will propel you from 0-100 in 6.18 seconds and complete the quarter in 14.4. Maximum power is 187kw at 6400 and a max torque 295nm at 4800.
The RB25DET is a ripper and featured technology ahead of it time. The 2.5 liter turbo intercooled straight 6 features a twin cam head with variable valve timing on the intake side.
Handling of the coupe is great with a good balance between comfort and a sports like feel. The rear of the car steered by a system called HICAS which works by calculating the speed and angle of the car through the corners. This feature seems to minimize under- steer and kept the car flat through the corner. The rear on the car is equipped with a viscous LSD and steps out ever so progressively when pushing hard. This makes the car easy to control but if pushed to hard it would be easy to loose the rear end. The skyline is a medium size coupe weighing in at 1360kg and when cornering its a great drive but not quiet as direct or nibble though the bends as the lighter R32 was. But light suspension modifications improve handling significantly.
In Australia a good series 1 GTS25-T can be picked up for around 17,000 and a series 2 for around 20,000. With standard features including electric windows and climate control I thinks it is great value for money. With light modifications to the engine and suspension this car can be turned into a street weapon.